'Absurd': ECI dismisses Rahul Gandhi's voter fraud allegations
What's the story
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his allegations of voter fraud in Karnataka. The ECI called his claims "absurd analysis" and challenged him to either file a sworn complaint or "apologize to the nation" for making "misleading interpretations." The poll body was reacting to the claims Gandhi made at an INDIA bloc dinner meeting, which was called to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, Vice-Presidential elections, and other issues.
Fraud claims
Gandhi's allegations of voter fraud
At the meeting, Gandhi also alleged that a survey in Karnataka found six major irregularities. They are: same voter appearing multiple times on rolls, the same voter in multiple states, nonexistent addresses, bulk voters at a single address, indistinguishable photos on voter IDs, and misuse of Form 6 for first-time voters. He also accused the ECI of colluding with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to draft a "choreographed schedule" for assembly polls.
Challenge issued
ECI gives 2 options to Gandhi
According to NDTV, quoting ECI's sources, it has given Gandhi two options: if he believes in his analysis and allegations against the poll body are true, he should sign a declaration. "If he does not sign the declaration, it would mean that he does not believe in his analysis and the resultant conclusions and absurd allegations. In this case, he should apologize to the nation," the sources said.
List controversy
BJP's response to Gandhi
Backing the ECI, the BJP has slammed Gandhi for refusing to submit a declaration with names of ineligible electors on the voter list in Karnataka. Amit Malviya, chief of BJP's media cell, said if Gandhi doesn't submit the declaration, it would be clear that he is indulging in political theater to mislead people and tarnish the image of a constitutional body.